GEOSTAR-scientific goals of the project and results of the first test phase

GEOSTAR is a project funded by the European Union (EU) in the framework of the Marine Science and Technology Programme (MAST-III, CT95-0007). Its aim is to realise the first prototype of an abyssal benthic laboratory, following the scientific recommendation of the EU for deep sea research and in continuity with previous studies promoted by the EU itself in the framework of the MAST-II Programme. The prototype of GEOSTAR is presently equipped with sensors for geophysical, geochemical and physico-oceanographic measurements. The whole set of sensors includes a three-component seismometer, two magnetometers (scaler and bi-axial), CTD, a transmissometer, an electrochemical package for the measurement of pH, Eh, H₂, H₂S, and a short range ADCP. The biaxial magnetometer and the electrochemical sensor package have been properly designed and realised for GEOSTAR; the other sensors have been modified to be integrated in GEOSTAR and adapted to the mission scientific goal. The project, started in November 1995, is to be completed at the end of October 1998, after the first shallow water test mission